Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Psyllium
© Steven Foster
Related Topics
Common names:
Flea Seed, Ispaghula, Psyllium Husk, SpogelBotanical names:
Plantago ispaghula, Plantago ovataParts Used & Where Grown
Psyllium is native to Iran and India and is currently cultivated in these countries. The seeds are primarily used in traditional herbal medicine. Psyllium seed husks are mainly used to treat constipation.
What Are "Star" Ratings?
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Constipation | 5 to 10 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water | Psyllium is a mild bulk-forming laxative that’s best suited for long-term use in people with constipation. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Diverticular Disease | 7 grams daily in water, followed by a second glass of water | A preliminary trial found that psyllium, a good source of fiber, was effective in relieving the symptoms associated with diverticular disease and constipation. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
High Cholesterol | 5 to 10 grams per day with meals | Psyllium has been shown to be effective at lowering total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Irritable Bowel Syndrome | 3.25 grams taken three times per day | Some people with IBS may benefit from bulk-forming laxatives. Psyllium has helped regulate normal bowel activity and improved symptoms in some people with IBS. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Type 2 Diabetes | 5.1 grams daily with meals | Supplementing with psyllium has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated way to improve control of blood glucose and cholesterol. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Diarrhea | 9 to 30 grams daily | Psyllium seed (an excellent source of fiber) makes stool more solid and can help resolve diarrhea symptoms. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Hemorrhoids | 7 grams three times daily in water, followed by a second glass of water | Taking psyllium, an herb high in fiber, may help relieve constipation. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
High Triglycerides | 15 grams daily | Psyllium seeds and husks have shown a modest ability to lower blood triglyceride levels in some clinical trials. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Ulcerative Colitis | Refer to label instructions | Taking psyllium may help people with ulcerative colitis maintain remission. |
Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation | 3 to 5 grams taken at night with a one to two glasses of fluid | Preliminary research has shown that psyllium seed husks improve constipation and bowel function in people with Parkinson’s disease and constipation.
|
| ||
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
In addition to its traditional and current use for constipation, psyllium was also used topically by herbalists to treat skin irritations, including poison ivy reactions and insect bites and stings. It has also been used in traditional herbal systems of China and India to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bladder problems, and high blood pressure.
Also indexed as:
- Plantago ispaghula,
- Plantago ovata,
- psyllium
About this treatment
Common names:
Flea Seed, Ispaghula, Psyllium Husk, SpogelBotanical names:
Plantago ispaghula, Plantago ovataHow It Works
Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10–30% mucilage. The laxative properties of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This forms a gelatinous mass that keeps feces hydrated and soft, provided it is taken with sufficient water. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.
Psyllium is a common ingredient in over-the-counter bulk laxative products. One preliminary trial found that psyllium seeds relieved constipation when it was due to lifestyle factors (e.g., inadequate fiber, sedentary lifestyle), but not when an actual disease was the cause. Numerous double-blind trials have found that supplementation with psyllium can lower total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. However, levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol are not affected by psyllium supplementation. The cholesterol-lowering effect of psyllium has been reported in children, as well as in adults. Psyllium supplementation has also improved blood sugar levels in some people with diabetes. The soluble fiber component of psyllium is believed to account for this effect.
In a double-blind trial, people with ulcerative colitis had a reduction in symptoms such as bleeding and remained in remission longer when they took 20 grams of ground psyllium seeds twice daily with water compared to the use of the medication mesalamine alone. Also, the combination of the two was slightly more effective than either alone.
How to Use It
The suggested intake of psyllium husks to treat constipation is 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 grams) three times per day. Alternatively, some references suggest taking 2–6 teaspoons (10–30 grams) of the whole seeds per day—typically taken in three even amounts throughout the day. This is stirred into a large glass of water or juice and drunk immediately before it thickens. It is best to follow label instructions on over-the-counter psyllium products for constipation. It is important to maintain a high water intake when using psyllium.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Welcome to Care Circle, an exclusive tool to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Here's how it works:
- Create profiles for yourself and your loved ones.
- Select the topics and conditions that interest each of you.
- Get customized news updates, original content, tools, and expert advice for each Care Circle member delivered directly to your personalized homepage.
The information you input is strictly private; you choose who has access to your Care Circle.
How do I add myself or someone else to my care circle?
Click on "Add someone." Fill out the short profile. Choose an avatar. Select the topics and conditions that interest this person from the pulldown menu. You can select as many as you want, but you must choose at least one. Click on "Add Someone" again. You should start getting updates immediately.
How do I save content to my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab of the person for whom you're saving content. Put your cursor over the piece of content that you want to save; a disk icon will appear in the righthand corner. Click on the disk and the piece of content will be moved to a save folder.
How do I add additional topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Add More to Follow," select additional topics and conditions.
How do I delete topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Follows," scroll over the topic or condition you want to delete. An "X" should appear on the righthand side. Click on the "X" and the topic or condition will be deleted from the list.
To manage your Care Circle, Please
Sign In.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network